U.S. patent application number 16/032815 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-17 for internal combustion engine.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to Stefan Lindner, Stefan Vogel.
Application Number | 20190017434 16/032815 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64745064 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190017434 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vogel; Stefan ; et
al. |
January 17, 2019 |
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
Abstract
An internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle included a
crankshaft, at least one piston coupled to the crankshaft for
performing strokes in a cylinder as a consequence of a rotation of
the crankshaft. An eccentric shaft is coupled to the crankshaft and
to the piston in such a manner that through it strokes of the
piston are extendable. The internal combustion engine further
includes a phase adjuster for adjusting a phase of the coupling of
the eccentric shaft to the crankshaft and/or a stroke adjuster for
adjusting strokes of the piston, in particular an extension of
strokes of the piston by the eccentric shaft.
Inventors: |
Vogel; Stefan; (Mainz,
DE) ; Lindner; Stefan; (Friesenheim, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC |
Detroit |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
|
Family ID: |
64745064 |
Appl. No.: |
16/032815 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02B 75/048 20130101;
F02B 75/045 20130101; F02B 41/04 20130101; F01L 1/344 20130101;
F02D 15/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F02B 75/04 20060101
F02B075/04; F01L 1/344 20060101 F01L001/344; F02B 41/04 20060101
F02B041/04; F02D 15/02 20060101 F02D015/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 11, 2017 |
DE |
102017006559.4 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. An internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, comprising:
a crankshaft; a piston coupled to the crankshaft for performing
strokes in a cylinder as a consequence of a rotation of the
crankshaft; and an eccentric shaft coupled to the crankshaft and to
the piston in such a manner that the strokes of the piston are
extendable; and an adjustment mechanism selected from the group
consisting of a phase adjuster configured to adjust a phase of a
coupling of the eccentric shaft to the crankshaft, and a stroke
adjuster configured to adjust an extension of the stroke of the
piston by the eccentric shaft.
17. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16 further
comprising a second piston coupled to the crankshaft for performing
strokes in a second cylinder as a consequence of the rotation of
the crankshaft, wherein the eccentric shaft is coupled to the
crankshaft and to the second piston in such a manner that the
strokes of the second piston are extendable.
18. The internal combustion engine according to claim 17 further
comprising a second stroke adjuster configured to adjust an
extension of the stroke of the second piston by the eccentric
shaft.
19. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, further
comprising an adjustable crank drive operably coupling the
crankshaft, the eccentric shaft and the piston.
20. The internal combustion engine according to claim 19, wherein
the adjustable crank drive comprises a first connecting rod coupled
to the piston, a second connecting rod coupled to the eccentric
shaft and a coupling link coupled to the crankshaft and
interconnecting the first and second connecting rods.
21. The internal combustion engine according to claim 20, wherein
the adjustment mechanism comprises the stroke adjuster configured
to adjust a length of at least one of the first connecting rod, the
second connecting rod or the coupling link.
22. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, wherein
the eccentric shaft is coupled to the crankshaft through a
transmission.
23. The internal combustion engine according to claim 22, wherein
the adjustment mechanism comprises the phase adjuster configured to
adjust an offset of the between a first link and a second link of
the transmission for adjusting the phase of the coupling of the
eccentric shaft to the crankshaft.
24. The internal combustion engine according to claim 22, wherein
the transmission comprises a positively joined traction drive.
25. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, wherein
the adjustment mechanism comprises the phase adjuster configured to
adjust the eccentric shaft between an initial position for
extending expansion and exhaust strokes relative to at least one of
intake or compression strokes by a first amount and an further
position for extending expansion and exhaust strokes relative to at
least one of intake or compression strokes by a second amount which
is greater than the first amount.
26. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, wherein
the adjustment mechanism comprises the phase adjuster configured to
adjust the eccentric shaft between an initial position for
extending compression and expansion strokes relative to at least
one of intake or exhaust strokes by a first amount and a further
position for extending compression and expansion strokes relative
to at least one of intake or exhaust strokes by a second amount
which is greater than the first one amount.
27. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, wherein
the adjustment mechanism comprises the phase adjuster configured to
adjust the eccentric shaft between an initial position for
extending expansion and exhaust strokes relative to at least one of
intake or compression strokes and a further position for extending
compression and expansion strokes relative to at least one of
intake or exhaust strokes.
28. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, wherein
the adjustment mechanism comprises the phase adjuster configured to
reduce a deviation between expansion, exhaust, intake and
compression strokes by an amount less than or equal to 50% of a
maximum deviation.
29. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, wherein
the adjustment mechanism comprises the stroke adjuster positionable
in an initial position for extending expansion, exhaust, intake
and/or compression strokes relative to expansion, exhaust, intake
and/or compression strokes in a further position thereof.
30. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, wherein
the adjustment mechanism comprises the phase adjuster and the
stroke adjuster.
31. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, wherein
each of the phase adjuster and the stroke adjuster are selected
from the group consisting of a hydraulic adjustor or an electric
adjuster.
32. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, further
comprising a turbocharger configured for supercharged filling of
the cylinder.
33. The internal combustion engine according to claim 16, further
comprising a controller configured to control the adjustment
mechanism for adjusting at least one of the phase of the coupling
of the eccentric shaft to the crankshaft, or the strokes of the
piston as a function of at least one operating parameter, wherein
the operating parameter is selected from the group consisting of a
load range, a rotational speed, a torque, a temperature, a charge
pressure or a combination thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent
Application No. 102017006559.4, filed Jul. 11, 2017, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an internal combustion
engine, in particular for a motor vehicle, to a motor vehicle, in
particular a passenger car, with the internal combustion engine and
to a method for operating the internal combustion engine.
BACKGROUND
[0003] DE 10 2010 004 588 A1 discloses an internal combustion
engine with a crankshaft and an eccentric shaft, which for
extending an expansion stroke of pistons of the internal combustion
engine is connected by connecting rods and coupling links to the
crankshaft and which is simultaneously driven by the crankshaft
with half the rotational speed of the crankshaft via a spur gearing
in order to increase the expansion and exhaust stroke, i.e. the
piston stroke during the expansion and exhaust cycle relative to
the intake and compression stroke, i.e. the piston stroke during
the intake and compression cycle.
[0004] There is a need in the art to further improve an internal
combustion engine, in particular such an internal combustion
engine, or its operation as is disclosed in DE 10 2010 004 588 A1,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an
internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, in particular of a
passenger car, includes a crankshaft, at least one piston, coupled
to the crankshaft for performing reciprocating strokes in a
cylinder as a consequence of a rotation of the crankshaft, and an
eccentric shaft, which is coupled to the crankshaft and to the
piston in such a manner that strokes of this piston are extendable
by way of said eccentric shaft, in particular are extended at least
temporarily or in at least one operating state.
[0006] In an embodiment, the piston, as a consequence of the
rotation of the crankshaft, performs consecutive cycles in the
cylinder consisting of an intake (downward) stroke, a subsequent
compression (upward) stroke, a subsequent expansion (downward)
stroke and a subsequent exhaust (upward) stroke. Here, an extension
of a stroke in particular in technical terms is to mean the
increase of a stroke or piston travel between an upper and a lower
end point, which define or delimit the stroke or piston travel.
[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a phase of
the coupling of the eccentric shaft to the crankshaft or the
coupling between the eccentric shaft and the crankshaft is adjusted
by a phase adjuster. The internal combustion engine according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure includes a phase adjuster by
way of which a phase of the coupling of the eccentric shaft to the
crankshaft or the coupling between the eccentric shaft and the
crankshaft is adjustable and may be adjusted.
[0008] Because of this, an additional (control) degree of freedom
can be made available or utilized in an embodiment, in particular a
ratio of in strokes within the individual cycles relative to one
another or among one another, in particular a ratio between a
compression and a subsequent expansion stroke and thus a ratio
between a compression and an expansion ratio of the cylinder, can
be advantageously varied, in particular adapted corresponding to an
operating state of the internal combustion engine, and an operating
behavior of the internal combustion engine thereby resulting in an
improved internal combustion engine.
[0009] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure,
which in an embodiment is advantageously combined with the aspect
of a phase adjustment described here or a phase adjuster described
here and in another embodiment is embodied or formed without the
same or independently, strokes of the piston (in addition or
alternatively to the aspect of a phase adjustment described here or
of a phase adjuster described here), in an embodiment, the
extension of strokes of the piston by the eccentric shaft, are
adjusted by a stroke adjuster. Accordingly, the internal combustion
engine, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
includes a stroke adjuster by way of which the strokes of the
piston, in particular the extension of strokes of the piston by the
eccentric shaft are/is adjustable and may be is adjusted. At the
same time, the aspect of a phase adjustment or of a phase adjuster
described here can also be embodied or formed by the stroke
adjuster in an embodiment independently or without an adjustment of
strokes of the pistons described here, in particular of the
extension of strokes of the piston by the eccentric shaft.
[0010] By way of such an adjustment of strokes of the piston, in
particular of the extension of strokes of the piston by the
eccentric shaft, an additional (control) degree of freedom can be
provided or utilized in an embodiment, a ratio of in particular
consecutive strokes within the individual cycles relative to one
another or among one another and/or a ratio of same types of
strokes be advantageously varied in different, in particular
consecutive cycles relative to one another or among one another, in
particular a ratio between a compression and a subsequent expansion
stroke in different cycles and/or a ratio between compression,
expansion, exhaust and/or intake strokes of different cycles, in
particular an operating state of the internal combustion engine
adapted and thereby in an embodiment an operating behavior of the
internal combustion engine improved. Here, by combining phase and
stroke (extension) adjustment the internal combustion engine in an
embodiment can be flexibly adapted to different operating
conditions.
[0011] In an embodiment, the eccentric shaft is coupled to the
crankshaft and the piston in such a manner that through it certain
strokes of a cycle are extendable relative to other strokes of the
cycle, in particular steplessly or continuously and/or depending on
the position of the phase adjuster. In particular expansion strokes
may be adjustable relative to compression and/or exhaust strokes,
in particular expansion strokes optionally or depending on the
position of the phase adjuster, extendable relative to compression
or to exhaust strokes.
[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the eccentric shaft in an
embodiment is coupled to the crankshaft and the piston in such a
manner that through it certain strokes of a cycle are extendable
relative to the same (types) of strokes of another cycle, in
particular steplessly or continuously and/or depending on the
position of the stroke adjuster.
[0013] In an embodiment, the eccentric shaft, in particular in
addition to the coupling to the one or more pistons of the internal
combustion engine via the crankshaft is coupled to the crankshaft
in such a manner, in particular mechanically, that it rotates in a
certain rotational speed ratio with or relative to the same, in
particular with half the rotational speed of the crankshaft, and/or
with a phase that is adjustable by the phase adjuster or constant
relative to the same, in particular driven by the same. A phase in
an embodiment, as is customary according to the state of the art,
depends on a distance between (the reaching) of an in particular
given reference (angle) position of the crankshaft and (the, in
particular following or preceding reaching) of an in particular
given reference (angle) position of the eccentric shaft, in
particular indicates the same. In an embodiment, the crankshaft and
the eccentric shaft are rotatably mounted about axes of rotation
that are offset parallel to one another, in particular in a one or
multiple-part housing of the internal combustion engine.
[0014] In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine includes at
least one second piston which is coupled to the crankshaft for
performing strokes in a second cylinder as a consequence of the
rotation of the crankshaft or in such a manner that it performs
strokes in a second cylinder as a consequence of a rotation of the
crankshaft, in particular consecutive cycles of an intake
(downward) stroke, a subsequent compression (upward) stroke, a
subsequent expansion (downward) stroke and a subsequent exhaust
(upward) stroke.
[0015] In an embodiment, the eccentric shaft is coupled to the
crankshaft and, in a further development in addition to its
coupling with adjustable phase to the crankshaft and/or via the
crankshaft to the second piston in such a manner that through it
strokes (also) of this second piston, in particular certain strokes
of a cycle are extendable relative to other strokes of the cycle,
in particular expansion strokes relative to compression and/or
exhaust strokes, in particular optionally or depending on the
position of the phase adjuster, relative to compression or exhaust
strokes.
[0016] By way of this, a ratio of in particular consecutive strokes
within the individual cycles relative to one another or among one
another, in particular a ratio between a compression and a
subsequent expansion stroke and thus a ratio between a compression
and an expansion ratio of the respective cylinder can be
advantageously, in particular homogeneously varied, in particular
adapted corresponding to an operating state of the internal
combustion engine and by way of this an operating behavior of the
internal combustion engine further improved in an embodiment.
[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the eccentric shaft, in an
embodiment, is coupled to the crankshaft and, in a further
development additionally to its coupling with adjustable phase to
the crankshaft and/or via the crankshaft, to the second piston in
such a manner that through it strokes (also) of this second piston,
in particular the extension of strokes of this second piston, are
adjustable, in particular extendable optionally or depending on the
position of a second stroke adjuster.
[0018] By way of this, in an embodiment for multiple cylinders, a
ratio of in particular consecutive strokes within the individual
cycles relative to or among one another and/or a ratio of in
particular same types of strokes in different, in particular
consecutive cycles relative to or among one another, in particular
a ratio between a compression and a subsequent expansions stroke in
different cycles and/or a ratio between compression, expansion,
exhaust and/or intake strokes of different cycles, can be
advantageously varied, in particular adapted according to an
operating state of the internal combustion engine and because of
this an operating behavior of the internal combustion engine
improved in an embodiment.
[0019] In an embodiment, the crankshaft, the eccentric shaft and
the at least one piston, in particular in addition to the coupling
of the eccentric shaft to the crankshaft that is phase-adjustable
in an embodiment, are coupled by a (first) crank drive, in
particular a multi joint crank drive which, in particular its
transmission ratio, is adjustable or adjusted by the stroke
adjuster in an embodiment. In a further development the crankshaft,
the eccentric shaft and the at least one second piston is
adjustable or adjusted by a second crank drive, which, in
particular its transmission ratio, is adjustable or adjusted by the
second stroke adjuster in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the
eccentric shaft and/or the at least one piston is/are (each)
coupled by a connecting rod to a coupling link that is common
and/or coupled to the crankshaft, in particular of the crank drive,
in an embodiment adjustable by the stroke adjuster. In a further
development, the eccentric shaft and/or the at least one second
piston is/are in particular (each) coupled by a connecting rod to a
second coupling link that is in particular common and/or coupled to
the crankshaft, in particular of the second crank drive, in
particular adjustable by the second stroke adjuster.
[0020] Because of this, the mechanical coupling in an embodiment
can be improved, in particular realized in a particularly compact,
reliable and/or precise manner.
[0021] In an embodiment, an (effective) length of the connecting
rod coupled to the eccentric shaft of the one (first) crank drive
or a distance between its connecting points to eccentric shaft and
coupling link is adjustable or adjusted by the stroke adjuster or
the internal combustion engine, in particular the stroke adjuster,
equipped for this purpose.
[0022] Additionally or alternatively, a connection of the
connecting rod of the one (first) crank drive is coupled to the
eccentric shaft, in particular a fulcrum or radius of the eccentric
shaft, in which connecting rod and eccentric shaft are connected to
one another, is adjustable or adjusted by the stroke adjuster, in
particular shiftable or shifted in particular on the eccentric
shaft and/or on the connecting rod, or the internal combustion
engine, in particular the stroke adjuster, equipped for this
purpose.
[0023] Additionally or alternatively, a connection of this
connecting rod coupled to the eccentric shaft of the one (first)
crank drive to the coupling link, in particular a fulcrum or radius
of the coupling link, in which connecting rod and coupling link are
connected to one another, is adjustable or adjusted by the stroke
adjuster in particular shiftable or shifted in particular on the
coupling link and/or on the connecting rod, or the internal
combustion engine, in particular the stroke adjuster, equipped for
this purpose.
[0024] Additionally or alternatively, an (effective) length of the
connecting rod of the one (first) crank drive that is coupled to
the at least one piston or a distance between its connecting points
on piston and coupling link is adjustable or adjusted by the stroke
adjuster in an embodiment or the internal combustion engine, in
particular the stroke adjuster equipped for this purpose.
[0025] Additionally or alternatively, a connection of the
connecting rod of the one (first) crank drive that is coupled to
the at least one piston to the coupling link, in particular a
fulcrum or radius of the coupling link, in which the connecting rod
and coupling link are connected to one another, and/or a connection
of this connecting rod to the at least one piston, in particular a
fulcrum of the connecting rod, in which connecting rod and piston
are connected to one another, is adjustable or adjusted in an
embodiment, in particular shiftable or shifted on the coupling link
or piston and/or the connecting rod, or the internal combustion
engine, in particular the stroke adjuster, equipped for this
purpose.
[0026] Additionally or alternatively, an (effective) length of the
coupling link of the one (first) crank drive or a distance between
its connecting points on the two connecting rods is adjustable or
adjusted in an embodiment by the stroke adjuster or the internal
combustion engine, in particular the stroke adjuster, equipped for
this purpose.
[0027] In an embodiment, an (effective) length of the connecting
rod of the second crank drive coupled to the eccentric shaft or a
distance between its connecting points on eccentric shaft and
second coupling link is adjustable or adjusted by the second stroke
adjuster or the internal combustion engine, in particular the
second stroke adjuster, equipped for this purpose.
[0028] Additionally or alternatively, a connection of the
connecting rod of the second crank drive that is coupled to the
eccentric shaft to the eccentric shaft is adjustable or adjusted by
the second stroke adjuster on the eccentric shaft, in particular a
fulcrum or radius of the eccentric shaft, in which the connecting
rod and eccentric shaft are connected to one another, in particular
shiftable or shifted on the eccentric shaft and/or the connecting
rod, or the internal combustion engine, in particular the second
stroke adjuster, equipped for this purpose.
[0029] Additionally or alternatively, a connection of this
connecting rod of the second crank drive that is coupled to the
eccentric shaft to the eccentric shaft is adjustable or adjusted by
the second stroke adjuster on the coupling link, in particular a
fulcrum or radius of the coupling link, in which the connecting rod
and coupling link are connected to one another, in particular
shiftable or shifted on the coupling link and/or the connecting rod
or the internal combustion engine, in particular the second stroke
adjuster, equipped for this purpose.
[0030] Additionally or alternatively, an (effective) length of the
connecting rod of the second crank drive that is coupled to the at
least one second piston or a distance between its connecting points
on the second piston and coupling link is adjustable or adjusted by
the second stroke adjuster in an embodiment, or the internal
combustion engine, in particular the second stroke adjuster, is
equipped for this purpose.
[0031] Additionally or alternatively, a connection of the
connecting rod of the second crank drive coupled to the at least
one second piston to the coupling link is adjustable or adjusted by
the second stroke adjuster on the coupling link, in particular a
fulcrum or radius of the coupling link, in which the connecting rod
and coupling link are connected to one another, and/or a connection
of this connecting rod to the at least one second piston, in
particular a fulcrum of the connecting rod, in which the connecting
rod and piston are connected to one another, is adjustable or
adjusted by the second stroke adjuster, in particular shiftable or
shifted on the coupling link or second piston and/or connecting
rod, or the internal combustion engine, in particular the second
stroke adjuster, equipped for this purpose.
[0032] Additionally or alternatively, an (effective) length of the
coupling link of the second crank drive or a distance between its
connecting points on the two connecting rods is adjustable or
adjusted by the second stroke adjuster in an embodiment, or the
internal combustion engine, in particular the second stroke
adjuster, equipped for this purpose.
[0033] Because of this, a mechanically, kinematically and/or
control-technically advantageous adjustment of the strokes of the
at least one or second piston, in particular the extension of
strokes of this piston, can be realized in each case by the
eccentric shaft in an embodiment. Here, an adjustment, in
particular shifting, of the connection of the connecting rod of a
crank drive on the eccentric shaft or the adjustment of the
corresponding radius in an embodiment, can be mechanically,
kinematically and/or control-technically particularly
advantageous.
[0034] In an embodiment the eccentric shaft, in a position of the
phase adjuster, extends expansion and/or exhaust strokes of the at
least one piston relative to the intake and/or compression strokes
of this piston by an amount and in at least one second position of
the phase adjuster, expansion and/or exhaust strokes of this piston
relative to intake and/or compression strokes of this piston by
another amount that is greater than the one amount, in particular
in a first position of the phase adjuster, expansion and/or exhaust
strokes of the at least on piston relative to the intake and/or
compression strokes of this piston by a first amount and in a
second position of the phase adjuster, expansion and/or exhaust
strokes of this piston relative to intake and/or compression
strokes of this piston by a second amount that is greater than the
first amount or is equipped or used for this purpose.
[0035] In a further development, the eccentric shaft in the one
position of the phase adjuster (also) extends expansion and/or
exhaust strokes of the at least one second piston relative to the
intake and/or compression strokes of this piston by an, in
particular this, amount and in the at least one second position of
the phase adjuster, (also) expansion and/or exhaust strokes of this
piston relative to the intake and/or compression strokes of this
piston by another in particular this one other amount that is
greater than this one amount in particular in the first position of
the phase adjuster, expansion and/or exhaust strokes of the at
least one second piston relative to the intake and/or compression
strokes of this piston by the same or another first amount and in
the second position of the phase adjuster, expansion and/or exhaust
strokes of this piston relative to intake and/or compression
strokes of this piston by the same or another second amount, which
is greater than this first amount, or is equipped for this purpose
or used for this purpose.
[0036] Here, an expansion stroke is understood to mean a stroke of
or in an expansion cycle of the internal combustion engine or of a
combustion-driven volume-enlarging movement of the piston in the
cylinder, an exhaust stroke accordingly in particular a stroke, in
particular in opposite direction thereto, of a or in a, in
particular subsequent exhaust cycle of the internal combustion
engine or a volume-reducing movement of the piston in the cylinder
for pushing out exhaust gas, an intake stroke accordingly in
particular a stroke in particular in opposite direction thereto, of
a or in an in particular subsequent intake cycle of the internal
combustion engine or a volume-enlarging movement of the piston in
the cylinder for sucking in combustion air or a combustion air
mixture, a compression stroke accordingly in particular a stroke,
in particular in opposite direction thereto, of a or in a, in
particular subsequent compression cycle of the internal combustion
engine or of a volume-reducing movement of the piston in the
cylinder for compressing combustion air or a combustion air
mixture.
[0037] Through a variable extension of expansion and/or exhaust
strokes relative to intake and/or compression strokes, a variable
Atkinson cycle process can be realized in an embodiment and by way
of this in a further development, exhaust gas more greatly expanded
and/or cooled and because of this the energy contained in the gas
better utilized and/or the cylinder better scavenged and thus an
operating behavior of the internal combustion engine further
improved.
[0038] Additionally or alternatively, the eccentric shaft in an
embodiment, in a position of the phase adjuster, extends
compression and/or expansion strokes of the at least one piston
relative to the intake and/or exhaust strokes of this piston by an
amount and in at least one second position of the phase adjuster,
compression and/or expansion strokes of this piston relative to
intake and/or exhaust strokes of this piston by another amount that
is greater than the one amount, in particular in a (further) first
position of the phase adjuster, compression and/or expansion
strokes of the at least one piston relative to intake and/or
exhaust strokes of this piston by a first amount and in a (further)
second position of the phase adjuster, compression and/or expansion
strokes of this piston relative to intake and/or exhaust strokes of
this piston by a second amount which is greater than this first
amount or is equipped for this purpose or used for this
purpose.
[0039] In a further development, the eccentric shaft in this one
position of the phase adjuster, (also) extends compression and/or
expansion strokes of the at least one second piston relative to
intake and/or exhaust strokes of this piston by an amount and in
this at least one further position of the phase adjuster,
compression and/or expansion strokes of this piston relative to
intake and/or exhaust strokes of this piston by another amount
which is greater than this one amount, in particular in the
(further) first position of the phase adjuster, compression and/or
expansion strokes of the at least one second piston relative to
intake and/or exhaust strokes of this piston by the same or another
first amount and in the (further) second position of the phase
adjuster, compression and/or expansion strokes of the at least one
second piston relative to intake and/or exhaust strokes of this
piston, by the same or another second amount which is greater than
this first amount or is equipped for this purpose or used for this
purpose.
[0040] By a variable extension of compression and/or expansion
strokes relative to intake and/or exhaust strokes, a variable
inverted Atkinson cycle process can be realized in an embodiment
and by way of this in a further development, combustion air or
combustion air mixture more greatly compressed and because of this
the power increased and thereby an operating behavior of the
internal combustion engine further improved, in particular in the
case that a charging means, in particular a turbocharger, does not
yet supply any or a low charge pressure. In an embodiment, a
starting process, an efficiency, in particular at low loads or in
part load ranges, a power density and/or a transient behavior, in
particular response behavior of the internal combustion engine can
be improved by a variable inverted Atkinson cycle process.
[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the eccentric shaft in an
embodiment, in a position of the phase adjuster, extends expansion
and/or exhaust strokes of the at least one piston relative to
intake and/or compression strokes of this piston and in at least
one further position of the phase adjuster, compression and/or
expansion strokes of this piston relative to intake and/or exhaust
strokes of this piston, in particular in the first position of the
phase adjuster, expansion and/or exhaust strokes of the at least
one piston relative to intake and/or compression strokes of this
piston and in the further first position of the phase adjuster,
compression and/or expansion strokes of this piston relative to
intake and/or exhaust strokes of this piston, or is equipped for
this purpose or used for this purpose.
[0042] In a further development, the eccentric shaft, in the one
position of the phase adjuster, (also) extends expansion and/or
exhaust strokes of the at least one second piston relative to
intake and/or compression strokes of this piston and in the at
least one second position of the second adjuster, compression
and/or expansion strokes of this piston relative to intake and/or
exhaust strokes of this second piston, in particular in the first
position of the phase adjuster, expansion and/or exhaust strokes of
the at least one second piston relative to intake and/or
compression strokes of this piston and in the further first
position of the phase adjuster, compression and/or expansion
strokes of this piston relative to intake and/or exhaust strokes of
this piston, or is equipped for this purpose or used for this
purpose.
[0043] By way of this, it is optionally possible, in an embodiment,
to change between an Atkinson cycle process and an inverted
Atkinson cycle process and an operating behavior of the internal
combustion engine can thereby be further improved.
[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the eccentric shaft in an
embodiment, in a (neutral) position of the phase adjuster, reduces
a deviation between expansion, exhaust, intake and compression
strokes, in particular to a maximum of 50%, in particular to a
maximum of 10%, in particular to a maximum of 1% of a maximum
(possible or adjustable) deviation in particular--at least
substantially or within the scope of a positioning accuracy--to
zero or is equipped for this purpose or used for this purpose.
[0045] Because of this, an (inverted Atkinson cycle process or a
regular cycle process), in particular auto or diesel cycle process,
can be carried out or conducted in particular optionally in an
embodiment without stroke extension(s), in a further development as
a function of one or more operating parameters of the internal
combustion engine, in particular an operating state, in particular
a load range, a rotationally speed, a torque, a temperature and/or
a charge pressure of the internal combustion engine, in particular
of a charging means, in particular of at least one turbocharger.
Because of this, an operating behavior of the internal combustion
engine can be further improved in an embodiment.
[0046] In an embodiment, the stroke adjuster, in an embodiment, by
means of the eccentric shaft, in particular by means of the (first)
crank drive, in or at a first position of the stroke adjuster,
extends expansion, exhaust, intake and/or compression strokes of
the at least one piston relative to expansion, exhaust, intake
and/or compression strokes in or at a second position of the stroke
adjuster, in an embodiment in or at a first position of the stroke
adjuster, expansion strokes relative to expansion strokes in or at
a second position of the stroke adjuster and/or in or at the first
position of the stroke adjuster, exhausts strokes relative to
exhaust strokes in or at the second position of the stroke adjuster
and/or in or at the first position of the stroke adjuster, intake
strokes relative to intake strokes in or at the second position of
the stroke adjuster and/or in or at the first position of the
stroke adjuster, compression strokes relative to compression
strokes in or at the second position of the stroke adjuster or the
internal combustion engine, in particular the stroke adjuster, is
equipped for this purpose.
[0047] In an embodiment, the stroke adjuster enlarges the extension
of strokes of the at least one piston through the eccentric shaft
in the first position of the stroke adjuster relative to an
extension of strokes of the at least one piston by the eccentric
shaft in the second position of the stroke adjuster or the internal
combustion engine, in particular the stroke adjuster, is equipped
for this purpose. In an embodiment, the second stroke adjuster, in
an embodiment, extends by means of the eccentric shaft, in
particular by means of the second crank drive, in or at a position
of the second stoke adjuster, expansion, exhaust, intake and/or
compression strokes of the at least one second piston relative to
expansion, exhaust, intake and/or compression strokes in or at a
further position of the second stroke adjuster, in an embodiment,
in or at a first position of the second stroke adjuster, expansion
strokes relative to expansion strokes in or at a second position of
the second stroke adjuster and/or in or at the first position of
the second stroke adjuster, exhaust strokes relative to exhaust
strokes in or at the second position of the second stroke adjuster
and/or in or at the first position of the second stroke adjuster,
intake strokes relative to intake strokes in or at the second
position of the second stroke adjuster and/or in or at the first
position of the second stroke adjuster, compression strokes
relative to compression strokes in or at the second position of the
second stroke adjuster, or the internal combustion engine, in
particular the second stroke adjuster is equipped for this purpose.
In an embodiment, the second stroke adjuster enlarges the extension
of strokes of the at least one second piston by the eccentric shaft
in the first position of the second stroke adjuster relative to an
extension of strokes of the at least one second piston by the
eccentric shaft in the second position of the second stroke
adjuster or the internal combustion engine, in particular the
second stroke adjuster, is equipped for this purpose.
[0048] In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine includes a
gearing which mechanically couples the eccentric shaft to the crank
shaft, in particular additionally to the piston or pistons via the
crank shaft, in particular in addition to the crank drive or crank
drives, in particular in such a manner that the eccentric shaft
rotates in a certain rotational speed ratio with or with respect to
the crank shaft, in particular with half the rotational speed of
the crank shaft, and/or with a phase that is adjustable by the
phase adjuster in an embodiment, relative to the same, in
particular is driven by the same, or which is equipped for this
purpose or used for this purpose.
[0049] In a further development, the transmission includes a first
and a second transmission link, the phase offset of which relative
to the first transmission link is adjustable or adjusted by the
phase adjuster for adjusting the phase of the coupling of the
eccentric shaft to the crankshaft or is equipped for this purpose
or used for this purpose, wherein a phase offset in an embodiment
depends, in a manner that is customary according to the state of
the art, on a distance between (the reaching) of an in particular
given reference (angle) position of the first transmission link and
(the, in particular following or preceding reaching) of a, in
particular given, reference (angle) position of the second
transmission link, in particular indicates the same.
[0050] By way of this, the mechanical coupling and/or its phase
adjustment can be improved in an embodiment, in particular realized
in a compact, reliable and/or precise manner.
[0051] In a further development, the transmission can include in
particular be a gear (wheel) transmission and/or a, in particular
frictionally engaged and/or positively engaged traction drive
transmission, in particular pushing or pulling chain traction
drives and/or belt drives.
[0052] Because of this, the mechanical coupling can be improved in
an embodiment, in particular realized in a compact, reliable and/or
precise manner.
[0053] In an embodiment, the phase adjuster operates hydraulically
and/or electrically, in particular electromagnetically and/or
electromotorically, and/or is hydraulically and/or electrically, in
particular electromagnetically and/or electromotorically actuated
and/or controlled or is a hydraulic and/or electric phase adjuster.
Additionally or alternatively, the stroke adjuster and/or the
second stroke adjuster in an embodiment works hydraulically and/or
electrically, in particular electromagnetically and/or
electromotorically, and/or is hydraulically and/or electrically, in
particular electromagnetically and/or electromotorically actuated
and/or controlled or is a hydraulic and/or electric (second) stroke
adjuster.
[0054] By way of this, the phase adjustment of the coupling and/or
the adjustment of strokes, in particular the extension of strokes
through the eccentric shaft can be improved in an embodiment, in
particular realized in a compact, reliable and/or precise
manner.
[0055] In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine includes a
supercharging means, in particular at least one turbocharger, for
the supercharged filling of the at least one cylinder, in a further
development, also for the supercharged filling of the at least one
second cylinder.
[0056] In particular in the case of supercharged internal
combustion engines, an inverted Atkinson cycle process can
advantageously increase the pressure of the combustion air or of
the combustion air mixture in phases of absent or low pressure
charging and thus improve the operation of the internal combustion
engine.
[0057] In an embodiment, the phase of the coupling of the eccentric
shaft to the crankshaft is adjusted by the phase adjuster and/or
strokes of the at least one piston, in particular the extension of
strokes of the at least on piston by the eccentric shaft, by the
stroke adjuster and/or strokes of the at least one second piston,
in particular the extension of strokes of the at least one second
piston by the eccentric shaft, by the second stroke adjuster (in
each case) as a function of one or more, in an embodiment the same
operating parameters of the internal combustion engines, in
particular an operating state, in particular a load range, a
rotational speed, a torque, a temperature and/or a charge pressure
of the internal combustion engine, in particular a charging means,
in particular at least one turbocharger, or the phase and/or stroke
and/or second stroke adjusters suitably controlled. Accordingly,
the internal combustion engine in an embodiment includes a
controller which, in particular hardware and/or
software-technically is equipped or used for this purpose or for
controlling the phase adjuster for adjusting the phase of the
coupling of the eccentric shaft to the crank shaft and/or the
stroke adjuster for adjusting strokes of the at least one piston,
in particular the extension of strokes of the at least one piston
by the eccentric shaft, and/or of the second stroke adjuster for
adjusting strokes of the at least one second piston, in particular
the extension of strokes of the at least one second piston by the
eccentric shaft (in each case) as a function of one or more
operating parameters of the internal combustion engine, in
particular an operating state, in particular a load range, a
rotational speed, a torque, a temperature and/or a charge pressure
of the internal combustion engine, in particular a charging means,
in particular at least one turbocharger.
[0058] By way of this, strokes and/or their ratio can be
advantageously varied in an embodiment, in particular (adapted)
(corresponding) to an operating state of the internal combustion
engine and by way of this, in an embodiment, an operating behavior
of the internal combustion engine further improved.
[0059] A means in terms of the present disclosure can be formed by
hardware and/or software, in particular include an in particular
digital processing unit, in particular microprocessor unit (CPU)
that is data or signal-connected to a storage and/or bus system
and/or one or more programs or program modules. The CPU can be
designed in order to execute commands which are implemented as a
program stored in a storage system, to gather input signals from a
data bus and/or emit output signals to a data bus. A storage system
can include one or more in particular different storage media, in
particular optical, magnetic, solid-state and/or other non-volatile
media. The program can be of such a type that it embodies or is
capable of carrying out the methods described here, so that the CPU
can carry out the steps of such methods and thus operate, in
particular control the internal combustion engine, in particular
the phase and/or stroke and/or second stroke adjusters of the
same.
[0060] In addition, other objects, desirable features and
characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary
and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements.
[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates a part of an internal combustion engine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with a phase
adjuster in a first position and a stroke adjuster in a first
position;
[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates the internal combustion engine with the
phase adjuster in a further first position and the stroke adjuster
in the first position;
[0064] FIG. 3 is a graph showing strokes of a piston of the
internal combustion engine in the first position the further first
position of the phase adjuster and the first position of the stroke
adjuster;
[0065] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for operating the
internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates the internal combustion engine with the
phase adjuster in the first position of FIG. 1 and the stroke
adjuster in a further position;
[0067] FIG. 6 is a graph showing strokes of the piston in the first
position of FIG. 1 of the phase adjuster and the first position as
well as the further position of the stroke adjuster; and
[0068] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a method for operating the
internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the
application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding
background of the invention or the following detailed
description.
[0070] FIG. 1 shows a part of an internal combustion engine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0071] The same includes a crankshaft 3 that is rotatably mounted
about an axis of rotation 7, multiple, for example four, six,
eight, ten or twelve pistons, of which in FIG. 1 only one piston 2
is exemplarily shown for the sake of clarity, and an eccentric
shaft 13 that is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 14.
The axes of rotation 7, 14 are offset parallel to one another. The
pistons are identical in construction and function, so that in the
following only the exemplarily shown piston 2 is explained and
reference in this regard is made to the second pistons which are
not shown. Complementarily, reference is also made to DE 10 2010
004 588 A1 mentioned at the outset. For this purpose, their
reference characters are partly taken over.
[0072] The eccentric shaft 13 is coupled via a gear transmission
15, which includes a gearwheel 17 that is rotationally fixed to the
crankshaft 3 and a gearwheel 18 meshing therewith with double the
number of teeth, which is coupled to an output 110 of the gear
transmission 15 that is rotationally fixed to the eccentric shaft
13 via a phase adjuster 100, by way of which in a manner known per
se, for example from camshaft adjustments, a phase of the coupling
of the eccentric shaft 13 to the crankshaft 3 is adjustable or
adjusted.
[0073] The piston 2 is coupled to the crankshaft 3 for performing
strokes in a cylinder 30 as a consequence of a rotation of the
crankshaft through a crank drive 16, through which certain strokes
are extendable within a cycle of intake, compression, expansion and
exhaust stroke.
[0074] For this purpose, the crank drive 16 includes a common
coupling link 8 which is mounted on the crankshaft 3 in a crankpin
joint 6 that is eccentric to the axis of rotation 7 and coupled to
the piston 2 by a first (piston) connecting rod 4 that is mounted
on the coupling link 8 in a rotary joint 11. A second (steering)
connecting rod 19 is connected to the eccentric shaft 13 in a
rotary joint 20 that is eccentric relative to the axis of rotation
14 and to the coupling link 8 in a rotary joint 23.
[0075] In the exemplary embodiment, the rotary joint 20 or the
connection, in which eccentric shaft 13 and second connecting rod
19 are coupled or connected to one another, is shiftable by a
stroke adjuster 200 on the eccentric shaft 13 or the radius of the
eccentric shaft 13, in which the same is connected to the second
connecting rod 19, adjustable. This can in particular facilitate
controlling or actuating the stroke adjuster 200. In modifications
which are not shown, the rotary joint 20 can be additionally or
alternatively shiftable or shifted on the second connecting rod 19
and/or the rotary joint 23 on the second connecting rod 19 and/or
the coupling link 8 and/or the rotary joint 11 on the coupling link
8 and/or the first connecting rod 4 and/or the connection on the
piston 2 by the stroke adjuster 200 of the same.
[0076] By way of this, strokes of the piston 2, in particular their
extension by the eccentric shaft 13, are adjustable. A motor ECU
120 contains data among others of a turbocharger 31 for the
supercharged filling of the cylinders 30 and controls the phase
adjuster 100 and the stroke adjuster 200 as indicated by
dash-dotted signal arrows in FIG. 1.
[0077] In the following, making reference to FIG. 1-4, only one
phase adjustment according to an aspect of the present disclosure
is initially explained, wherein the stroke adjuster 200 is kept
constant in its first position shown in FIG. 1, 2. Accordingly, the
stroke adjuster 200 can also be omitted or rotary joint 20 or the
connection of the second connecting rod 19 to the eccentric shaft
13 can be constant or fixed in place relative to second connecting
rod 19 and eccentric shaft 13 in a modification which is not
shown.
[0078] Following this, making reference to FIG. 1, 5-7, only one
stroke adjustment according to a further aspect of the present
disclosure is separately explained, wherein conversely the phase
adjuster 100 is kept constant in its first position shown in FIG.
1, 5. Accordingly, the phase adjuster 100 can also be omitted in a
modification which is not shown.
[0079] In an embodiment, phase adjustment and stroke adjustment are
combined with one another, wherein their separate explanation with
reference to FIG. 1-4 on the one hand (phase adjustment) and FIG.
1, 5-7 on the other hand (stroke adjustment) merely serves for a
more compact representation.
[0080] In a first position S10 (see FIG. 4) of the phase adjuster
100 indicated in FIG. 1, the eccentric shaft 13 extends expansion
strokes in expansion cycles E and exhaust strokes in exhaust cycles
A relative to intake strokes in intake cycles S and compression
strokes in compression cycles K as indicated in FIG. 3 in an
expanded manner, in which the movement x of the piston 2 is
indicated over the crankshaft angle KW of the crankshaft 3, thus
realizing an Atkinson cycle process.
[0081] As a function of at least one operating parameter of the
internal combustion engine, for example in the case that a charge
pressure of the turbocharger 31 falls below a given limit amount,
the ECU 120 steers the phase adjuster 100 into a further first
position S100 (see FIG. 4), which is indicated in FIG. 2. In this
further first position of the phase adjuster 100, the eccentric
shaft 13 now extends the expansion strokes in the expansion cycles
E and the compression strokes in the compression cycles K relative
to the intake strokes in the intake cycles S and the exhaust
strokes in the exhaust cycles A, as is indicated with dashed lines
in FIG. 3 thus realizing an inverted Atkinson cycle process.
[0082] As a function of the at least one operating parameter of the
internal combustion engine, the ECU 120 again steers the phase
adjuster 100 into the one first position S10 (see FIG. 4).
[0083] Additionally or alternatively, the ECU 100 controls the
phase adjuster 100, as a function of at least one operating
parameter, for example a load range of the internal combustion
engine, starting out from the first position S10 shown in FIG. 1
into a further position S20 (see FIG. 4), in which the eccentric
shaft 13 extends the expansion and exhaust strokes relative to the
intake and compression strokes by a greater amount.
[0084] Additionally or alternatively, the ECU 120 controls the
phase adjuster 100, as a function of at least one operating
parameter, for example the load range, of the internal combustion
engine, starting out from the further first position S100 shown in
FIG. 2, into a further second position S200 (see FIG. 4), in which
the eccentric shaft 13 extends the compression and expansion
strokes relative to the intake and exhaust strokes by a greater
amount.
[0085] With reference to FIG. 1, 5-7, a stroke adjustment is now
explained, wherein the phase adjuster 100 is kept constant in its
first position shown in FIG. 1, 5. Accordingly, the phase adjuster
100 can also be omitted in a modification that is not shown. In an
embodiment, the phase adjustment explained above and the stroke
adjustment explained in the following is or takes place combined
with one another.
[0086] As is illustrated in particular by the comparison of FIG. 1,
5 and FIG. 6, the expansion, exhaust, intake and compression
strokes are extended relative to the corresponding strokes in a
further position of the stroke adjuster 200 shown in FIG. 5 through
the shifting of the rotary joint 20 on the eccentric shaft 13 or
the corresponding adjustment of the connection of second connecting
rod 19 on eccentric shaft 13 or of the radius of the eccentric
shaft 13, in which the same is connected to the second connecting
rod 19, through the stroke adjuster 200 in its first position shown
in FIG. 1.
[0087] Accordingly, the extension of individual strokes of the
piston 2 within a cycle is also adjusted by the eccentric shaft 13
by the stroke adjuster 200.
[0088] In the first position S1000 (see FIG. 7) of the stroke
adjuster 200 indicated in FIG. 1, the eccentric shaft 13 extends
expansion strokes in expansion cycles E and exhaust strokes in
exhaust cycles A relative to intake strokes in intake cycles S and
compression strokes in compression cycles K, as explained above
with reference to FIG. 1-4 and likewise indicated expanded in FIG.
6, in which analogously to FIG. 3 the movement x of the piston 2
over the crankshaft angle KW of the crankshaft 3 is indicated.
[0089] As a function of at least one operating parameter of the
internal combustion engine, the ECU 120 steers the stroke adjuster
200 into the further position 52000 (see FIG. 7), which is
indicated in FIG. 5. In this position, too, the eccentric shaft 13
extends expansion strokes in expansion cycles E and exhaust strokes
in exhaust cycles A relative to intake strokes in intake cycles S
and compression strokes in compression cycles K as indicated in
dash-double dotted line in FIG. 6, however compared with the first
position S1000, to a lesser extent.
[0090] As already emphasized multiple times, the phase adjustment
described here and the stroke adjustment described here can be
realized individually or, in an embodiment, be advantageously
combined with one another which advantageously increases the
flexibility (of the cycle process) of the internal combustion
engine or its operation, in particular its control. Accordingly,
depending on the operating state or parameters of the internal
combustion engine, it is possible to change from the state of FIG.
2 into the state of FIG. 5, i.e. both phase and also strokes or
their extension adjusted.
[0091] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments
are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way.
Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an
exemplary embodiment as contemplated herein. It should be
understood that various changes may be made in the function and
arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment
without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in
the appended claims.
* * * * *